Crispy Tuna Tots Appetizer: What They Are & How to Order
· By the Sus Hi Team
We get this question at the counter probably ten times a day. Somebody's staring at the app section of the menu and goes, "Okay but what are the tuna tots?"
Fair question. Let's fix that.
So What Is a Crispy Tuna Tots Appetizer, Exactly?
Picture a crispy rice tot — golden, crunchy on the outside, warm and a little chewy inside — topped with spicy tuna and sauce. That's the move. It's basically the greatest hits of a spicy tuna roll, deconstructed and made handheld.
If you've ever had crispy rice sushi at a nicer spot and thought "why is this $19 for four pieces," congrats, you've found the fast-casual answer. Our crispy tuna tots appetizer hits that same texture contrast — hot and crunchy meets cool and creamy — without the reservation.
And yes, it's got a little kick. It's marked 🌶 for a reason.
The Texture Thing Is the Whole Point
Here's what people miss about rice-based apps: the crunch is doing 80% of the work. That's why crispy rice exists in the first place. Soft rice + soft fish is nice, but crispy rice + soft fish? Different sport.
Which also means timing matters. Which brings us to...
How to Actually Order These So They Don't Get Sad
- Eat them first. Not third. Not after your bowl. Tots lose their crunch as they sit — that's just physics, not a Sus Hi problem.
- Dining in beats takeout for this one specifically. If you're ordering delivery, we still love you, just don't let them sit in the bag for 20 minutes.
- Order for the table. One order is a great appetizer for two people. Solo? You'll finish it and want another. Been there.
- Pair it with something not spicy. If you're getting a Party in My Mouth Bowl or a Kickin' Chicken Burrito, you're stacking heat on heat. Maybe balance it with edamame or a Cali Roll.
Crispy Tuna Tots vs. Truffle Rice Tots vs. Loaded Rice Tots
We have three tot situations and people mix them up constantly:
- Crispy Tuna Tots — spicy tuna on top. The seafood one. Best if you actually want sushi flavors in appetizer form.
- Truffle Rice Tots — earthy, rich, kind of addictive. My personal pick when I don't want raw fish.
- Loaded Rice Tots — exactly what it sounds like. Maximum toppings. Order this one when you're hungry-hungry.
Honestly? Get two kinds and compare. That's the only real way to settle it.
Why We Put Tots on a Sushi Menu at All
Because we've never been precious about sushi. We built this place in 2011 across from UCF on the idea that sushi should be fun and fully yours — that's how the bowls and burritos took over as our top sellers, and it's the same reason we've got Mac & Cheese Crunch Burritos sitting next to poke bowls.
A crispy tuna tots appetizer is exactly that energy. Familiar shape, unexpected flavors, zero pretension.
Come grab an order at any of our seven Dojos — UCF, Altamonte, Lake Nona, Millenia, Colonial, Chickasaw, or Tampa near USF. Select Dojos are open till 2AM, so late-night tots are absolutely on the table. Order ahead through the app and rack up rewards while you're at it.
Tell us which tot wins. We'll fight about it. #SusHi #NinjaSushi